"Here's something a little different for this space today. Instead of insight into the NFL or Steelers, I give you an appeal to help a little girl in Westmoreland County and, yes, the Steelers are involved.

"Fallyn McNamara, 6, of West Hempfield has a rare skin disorder known as recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). It makes her skin as fragile as the wings of a butterfly, the reason these kids are known as "butterfly children.''

"She needs at least $200,000 to undergo treatment that includes a bone-marrow transplant. Several churches are helping raise funds, as is the Steelers basketball team, Hempfield High School and author Jim Wexell, among others. The Steelers basketball team agreed to extend its season to play a game at Hempfield May 17 at 2 p.m. with the school donating all proceeds to the cause. The Steelers have donated items for an auction that day.

Thanks to all who've ordered already, and thanks to Ed Bouchette and the Post-Gazette, Tom O'Malley and the Steelers' basketball team, the Steelers, and Brett Keisel, who has made plans to help us at the basketball games April 18 at Norwin and May 17 at Hempfield. Also, thanks to Stan Savran, who'll have me on his show in the coming days to talk about the upcoming draft and help us raise money.-- jim